Living Hell (Louis James Moriarty short story)

Part 7: City of Crime

Louis lets out another small laugh at her mention of 'endless possibilities', and then he raises his hand. "I appreciate the thanks."

His expression goes cold for a moment, but as quick as it came, his smile returns and his tone becomes a bit lighter again. "But I will ask once more...how does it feel to take that step to be someone who kills? Does it feel empowering? Disturbing? Or what other sensation would you say you're feeling right now?", there's a genuine curiosity in his gaze.

"It's...honestly overwhelming. I am still scared to make mistakes...", of course, because screwing up the mission can result in her death as discussed before.

Louis' eyes fill with sympathy at that, and he gives Lily a small comforting smile. "I see...well...I can offer you the help you need in avoiding them. You'll never have to worry about that. But as for the...", here he makes a sweeping gesture with his hand across his neck as if indicating the idea of killing a person, "...you just gotta lean into that feeling."

"Can I ask?"

Louis raised his eyebrows at her request. "I see no reason why not. What's on your mind?"

"How did you start? How did...", Lily gestured her arms sideways, "...this...organization started?"

"Ah yes, those are good questions. It's gonna be a long story, but perhaps it will serve as an inspiration for you. I trust you with it, and I expect you to keep this a secret. Can you promise me that?"

"Yes. Death awaits if I did so."

Louis nodded. "In this British Empire, there is already a strong and clear distinction between social classes. Depending on the status and bloodline of the family, a person's worth is already forced upon them by birth; thus, giving rise to discrimination among the people. The nobles severely take advantage of the weak and the poor; their deep-rooted corruption infests our nation. They think they own the world! Doing as they please...

That's why me and my brothers will build a new world from the ashes of the old. We will abolish this hierarchical system by turning London into a City of Crime through a series of our perfect murders!"

"But why? How exactly is...murder going to change London?", Lily asked.

"Murder is the process, my dear disciple, to our ultimate goal. My beloved brother said that humans think and act according to their emotions, and death has the biggest impact on people's hearts and minds. Death is our most important tool. However, one murder of a noble wouldn't be enough to change the social system immediately, but it can influence the hearts of the people quickly.

The perfect crimes we shall execute will turn the city into a stage. And the plays that the audience must witness will be the deaths that effectively expose this nation's corruption. The more they witness these deaths, the more they will fight for rights and equality. And we, the Moriartys, become that catalyst for change."

Lily was totally speechless after Louis shared his reasons. She didn't expect that a necessary evil act could be possibly done for the betterment of society. She thought this organization was just a destructive, aimless, selfish-like gang. Lily thought back to her previous abusive master...the turmoil she had to endure.

And right now, she sees herself supporting the idea. But in the part where she's going to be involved in those murders...that's a different story.

"So...what do you have to say after knowing all this? Do you feel inspired? Motivated than ever?"

Lily could only manage to open her mouth but the words are wildly bouncing around her head.

Louis noticed she was taking a while to answer, so his cold, strict demeanor went back. "Answer the question, Lily. Or there will be consequences..."

"S-sorry I-...I was speechless. I didn't know that...it could be possibly done for the sake of the goal. It's really overwhelming for me...I never thought we could go that big. I suddenly thought about my old abusive master and...I found myself inclined to the idea but..."

"But?"

"I still fear making mistakes once I'm put on the mission.", 'And you wouldn't even like the idea of me backing out. Even right now!', Lily internally said those last words in her head.

Louis let out a sigh and smiled. "It's ok. I know it's a lot to take in. Just know that we will take our time...you will be safe."

Lily wanted to believe him, but she'll have to see that on her first mission because actions speak louder than words.